Jordan & Egypt Express (IEERJ)

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Amman to Cairo 9 days.

Trip code : IEERJ

Trip length : 9 Days

Trip starts in : Amman

Trip ends in : Cairo

Maximum group size : 16

Meals : 7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

Accommodation : Hotel, Overnight boat

Transport: Minibus, Jeep, Plane, Ferry

Day

1

Amman

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan.

Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

As there's very little time spent in Amman on this itinerary, it's worth arriving a day or two early to explore the sights. These are some of our recommendations:

Explore the beautifully preserved ruins of Jerash, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman cities left on the planet. These ruins were re-discovered in 1806 and continue to be one of Jordan's most amazing sites. The ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2,000 years ago.

Excavation and restoration of Jerash has been ongoing since the 1920s. Recent excavations show that the area was inhabited during the Bronze Age as far back as 3200 BC. Conquered by the Romans and then the Persians, Jerash was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century. Monuments of note in Jerash include the Corinthium column, Hadrian's Arch, a circus/hippodrome, two temples (to Zeus and Artemis), the oval Forum surrounded by a colonnade, a long colonnaded street, two theatres, baths, small temples and an almost complete circuit of city walls.

Visit the Citadel with its amazing sweeping views of Amman, then explore the Archaeological Museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed.

Check out the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman.

Day

2-3

Petra

Travel by minibus to Mt Nebo (approx 1.5 hrs).

Mt Nebo is the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the 'promised land' and is supposedly buried. Explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the 4th-century church. On a clear day, the views over the Dead Sea to Israel are spectacular.

Transfer to the Dead Sea (approx 30 mins).

A Dead Sea float is a must do of any trip to Jordan. Here at the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level) the water is seven times saltier than a normal ocean at 30% salinity - making it the second saltiest lake in the world after Lake Asal in Djibouti. This means that you are extremely buoyant and seem to float on top of the water rather than in it.

The mud here is supposed to have healing properties and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe for a beauty mud bath. We stop at a private beach with pools and a gentle slope to the water. Towels are available for hire. Don't forget to pack your swimwear for today.

Make a stop at the crusader castle of Kerak where we have time to explore the evocative ruins and to discover the legends of the 12th-century battles between the Crusaders and the Muslim armies led by the Arab hero, Saladin (Salah ad-Din).

Continue on to Petra (approx 4.5 hrs).

Hewn out of the rose-coloured rock face, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Middle East's most spectacular destinations, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

You have a full day to explore this stunning site. We have a morning together which starts early with the exciting walk through the narrow Siq to the Treasury. After admiring the iconic view, continue through the site along the Roman road, past impressive rock-cut tombs, temples and the amphitheatre ( entrance fee is not included ). In the afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the rest of the site at your own pace. For those with the energy, there's the challenging but highly rewarding walk up the steps to the stunning Monastery (approx 1 hr).

Please note that there is a complimentary horse ride included with the entrance ticket for all travellers visiting Petra. Intrepid recommends that you don't ride the horse due to safety and insurance liability.

The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. It was once described as 'a rose-red city half as old as time' in a sonnet by John William Burgon and UNESCO has described it as 'one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.' In 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage site. So you know you are in for an amazing experience here.

It's difficult to determine exactly when the history of Petra began. Evidence suggests the Horites, probably cave-dwellers, inhabited the area, lending their traditional habits such as burying the dead and offering worship in half-excavated caves to the next wave of inhabitants - the Nabataeans.

Evidence of the earliest Nabataean settlement is also sketchy. Some of the characteristics of the site appear partly Egyptian and partly Greek in style. Strangely, few inscriptions have been found at Petra making dating the civilization a real challenge for historians. We do know the Nabataean settlement doesn't go back farther than the 6th century BC.

In 106 AD, Petra was absorbed into the Roman Empire and the native dynasty came to an end but continued to flourish for a century after. Eventually the building of tombs ended and trade moved away from Petra, which fell into steady decline over the centuries. Over time many of the tombs' treasures were stolen by treasure hunters and their glory and whereabouts are unknown.

According to Arab tradition, Petra is the location where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth.

Accommodation

Sunset Hotel or similar (2 nts)

Day

4

Wadi Rum

Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a short drive (approx 2 hrs) to the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum.

A 4-hour jeep safari takes us through some of the most beautiful and sublime desert scenery on the planet, a true highlight of this trip.

Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations. Traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks.

Sleep in a simple desert camp where you'll have the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. A mattress and blankets are provided. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months. A dinner cooked in a local earthen oven is included. Western-style toilet facilities are available. Conditions are basic at our desert camp, but the company of our Bedouin hosts is warm and you'll treasure the memory of sleeping beneath the twinkling desert night sky.

Accommodation

Wadi Rum Desert Camp or similar (1 nt)

Day

5

Red Sea Beach Camp

Board a ferry to cross the Gulf of Aqaba and continue your journey to Egypt (approx 2 hrs). Please note that you'll be travelling on this ferry unaccompanied by a group leader. You'll be met by your Egyptian leader on arrival in Nuweiba.

The fast ferry can be cancelled without notice. On some trips we have to take the slow ferry which can take anywhere between 3-5hrs.

The ferry crossing can be rough on occasions and those who suffer from sea sickness may want to prepare themselves. Please note this ferry crossing sometimes experiences delays and patience is required. Due to adverse weather conditions there's a possibility the ferry will be cancelled, forcing us to stay an extra night in Aqaba. The ferry itself is modern with western-style toilets on board.Travel by van to our Red Sea beach camp (approx 30 mins).

This is a harsh and barren land of sprawling windswept plains and rugged mountains, but it's also home to some fantastic beaches. The tiny settlement of Sawa Camp is reminiscent of its Sinai neighbours, Dahab and Sharm el-Sheik, before mass tourism arrived. Thankfully Sawa Camp is still a hidden gem for Intrepid groups. Set on one of the only stretches of fine golden sand along this coast, this is a place that you'll be raving about to your friends for years to come.

Stay in simple but comfortable beach huts with the water right at our front door. The huts in our camps are made from local palm trees and have a mattress on the floor with sheets and mosquito nets provided. The toilets and showers are in a communal block.

The Red Sea coast is justifiably famous for its beautiful scenery, both above and below the water. Why not start the day with a fantastic snorkelling trip to discover this spectacular world.

There's time to make an optional scuba dive on nearby reefs.

Accommodation

Sawa Camp Hut or similar (1 nt)

Day

6-7

Dahab

It's a short drive to Dahab, where the rest of the day is free to take in the many treats the village has to offer; cafes, seafood and snorkelling in the Red Sea. Dahab is famous for its drop-offs, spectacular coral reefs that plunge vertically into the deep blue depths below.

Accommodation

Dyarna Hotel or similar (2 nts

Day

8-9

Cairo

Today we are transferred from our Dahab Hotel to Sharm El Sheikh Airport. We take the short flight to Cairo ( approximately 1hr ). On arrival we will be transferred to our hotel where we will spend the last night.

Wonderfully chaotic and always colourful, Cairo is a fascinating mixture of modern city and ancient wonders.

As this trip doesn't include time to explore the sights of this fascinating city, we strongly recommend that you spend a few extra days in Cairo or join one of our Egypt-specific trips.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Accommodation

Caroline Crillon Hotel or similar (1 nt)

4WD jeep safari and desert camp

Mt Sinai climb with local guide

Petra 1 day pas

Roman ruins, Jerash - JOD8.00

Citadel and National Archaeological Museum, Amman - JOD2.00

Roman Theatre, Amman - JOD1.00

Bethany Baptism site, Amman - JOD8.00

Mt Nebo - JOD1.00

Dead Sea - JOD8.00

Kerak Castle - JOD1.00

2-day pass, Petra - JOD55.00

Petra by night, Petra - JOD12.00

St. Catherine Tour - USD43

Blue Hall - USD10

Mummies Hall at Egyptian Museum - EGP100

The Citadel - EGP60

Coptic Museum - EGP60

The Great Pyramid of Cheops - EGP200

The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - EGP40

Pyramid of Saqqara - EGP80

Solar Boat Museum - EGP60

Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids - EGP100

Pyramids and Sphinx - EGP80

Egyptian Museum - EGP75

Half Day Pyramids Adventure - GERF - USD67

Islamic Cairo in Depth - GRED - USD64

Alexandria City Discovery - GREA - USD133

Saqqara and Memphis - GREC - USD73

International flights, departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

Basic

Our Basic tours offer superb value and are ideal for those who are happy to forgo some creature comforts in favour of an authentic and fun experience. Under the leadership of a fully trained tour leader, you will enjoy all the highlights and freedom of independent travel with the convenience, security and companionship of a small group.

Style Facts

Plenty of free time to explore independently

Optional activities to suit your budget

Freedom to choose your own meals

Simple famliy run hotels

Mostly public transportation

Fully trained and experienced leader.

Discovery

Discovery tours are all about exploring & experiencing the world with like-minded people, dipping your toe beneath the usual tourist surface & discovering the real essence of a region. They are genuinely innovative, exciting & imaginative tours that offer that little bit more to travellers.

Style Facts

Enjoy a destination in depth and comfort

Tourist class hotels and family homestays

Both private and local transport

A number of included activities and meals throughout

Fully trained and experienced leader.

This tour is operated by our partners Intrepid.A necessary bugbear of adventure travel, visas can appear complicated, costly and confusing to apply for. Imaginative Traveller recommend applying for visas with a professional visa service who can guide you though the process and take care of lodging and collecting your passport with multiple embassies, so we have teamed up with The Visa Machine.The Visa Machine ‘live and breathe’ visas and have the expertise to provide current and accurate information and arrange the correct visas for your trip, quickly and at a good price.Please click here for more information.

We strongly recommend you visit your doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you regarding the appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure so allow yourself plenty of time. Obtain a certificate of vaccination and carry this with you on this trip. A dental check up is also highly recommended.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.You will need to take cash to cover all additional expenses not included in your tour cost. These include food, drinks, optional sightseeing, tips, laundry, souvenirs and possible delays. If in doubt, bring more than you think you will need. It is always useful to carry an additional amount for emergencies. If there is a medical emergency you are sometimes required to pay at the time; providing your claim falls within the scope of your policy, your insurance company will make reimbursement laterYou must have extensive travel insurance as a condition of booking with us, and without evidence of a valid policy you won’t be allowed to start your trip. Please click here for more information.

Responsible tourism is at the heart of Imaginative Traveller. For 20 years we have taken customers to places around the world in social and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring everyone involved respects and maintains the natural and often delicate balance of the destination.As travellers ourselves we are well aware of the impact that tourism can have and whilst economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, it should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment. It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit. We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.We believe giving something back is essential. We therefore work with our customers and the people we visit to ensure the benefits go directly to contribute to local cultures and environmental conservation. This is not only good the communities we visit but it also gives our travellers more enriched adventures.For further information about responsible travel please click here.

Important notes

RAMADAN & THE EID UL-FITR FESTIVAL 2013:

In 2013, the important month of Ramadan will be in progress from 9 July through until 7 August, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

FAST FERRY CANCELLATIONS:

Fast ferries between Jordan and Egypt are sometimes cancelled without notice. On some trips we may be required to use the slow ferry which can take 3-5 hours.

The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL4157. ATOL protection extends to either clients who pay in United Kingdom or where the first leg of ant flights we arrange start in the UK.

We are also bonded for land only tours with AITO Trust Ltd, membership number 5044.

Imaginative Traveller is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority. This can be checked on the FSA’s register by visiting the FSA’s website at www.fsa.gov.uk or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234

The pricing on the Imaginative Traveller websites is the latest pricing and supersedes any pricing published in brochures, leaflets or any other advertised price.